Air India is currently facing significant operational challenges, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations, drawing the ire of passengers and prompting government intervention. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule recently voiced her frustration after experiencing a three-hour delay on her Delhi to Pune flight, highlighting a concerning trend of mismanagement and poor service by the airline. Her social media post, calling out the lack of communication, updates, and assistance from Air India, quickly gained traction, underscoring the growing discontent among travelers.
Sule's experience is not an isolated incident. The airline has been grappling with a series of disruptions, including multiple international flight cancellations and delays attributed to various factors, notably in the wake of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, that killed 241 passengers and crew members. This event has triggered heightened safety checks mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), leading to extended turnaround times and operational constraints.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has acknowledged the severity of the situation. Responding to Sule's complaint, he stated that he had spoken to airline and airport authorities, urging them to address the concerns of affected passengers immediately. Naidu has also confirmed that a formal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the Ahmedabad crash and has emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining strict safety standards. In the aftermath of the crash, the DGCA has ordered extended surveillance of all Boeing 787 aircraft in the Indian fleet, with inspections being carried out as these planes return to India.
The recent disruptions include cancellations of flights from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, Delhi to Paris, Bengaluru to London, and Mumbai to San Francisco. These cancellations are attributed to a combination of factors, including unavailability of aircraft, airspace restrictions, and additional precautionary checks. Moreover, a San Francisco to Mumbai flight was grounded in Kolkata due to a technical snag, causing further inconvenience to passengers.
Air India has attributed some of the delays to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, which had a cascading effect on flight schedules across its network in the past. However, the frequency of these incidents has led to public criticism and demands for accountability. Passengers have expressed their frustration with the lack of communication and assistance during these disruptions, emphasizing that such mismanagement is unacceptable, especially given the premium fares they pay.
The airline is working to address the issues and minimize disruptions. Alternative arrangements, including hotel accommodations and alternative flights, are being offered to stranded passengers. Air India has also stated that it is conducting thorough safety checks on its Boeing 787 fleet and is cooperating with the DGCA's investigation. However, the ongoing challenges raise questions about the airline's operational efficiency and its ability to maintain its flight schedules consistently. The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible as Air India continues to navigate these operational hurdles and enhanced safety protocols.
